Migration of Oil Bodies in Embryo Cells during Acquisition of Desiccation Tolerance in Chemically Defoliated Corn (Zea mays L.) Seed Production Fields

Chemical defoliation of seed corn production fields accelerates maturation and desiccation expedites harvest. Early harvest is important to minimize the risk frost damage while in field. This newly adopted practice also allows companies plan manage dryer space more efficiently. However, premature may interfere with migration oil bodies within embryo cells during affect germination vigor. The objective this study was investigate effect chemical on patterns desiccation. Chemically defoliated non-defoliated plants from five commercial hybrid were sampled 2014 2015. Whole ears husks harvested before after defoliant application at 600 g H2O kg−1 fresh weight (fw), weekly thereafter until reached approximately 300–350 fw. Ten embryos extracted center-row seeds fixed stop metabolic processes, then sliced, processed, photographed using scanning transmission electron microscopy. followed normal according moisture content, regardless treatment. Seed vigor verified not significantly affected by defoliation. a viable accelerate availability efficiently without negatively affecting